Thai vs Vietnamese Food - Which is BETTER? | On The Road in Thailand with Niall and Adrie #9

“I love Thai food… but Vietnamese food just hits different—it’s the balance, the freshness, the herbs. It’s something else.”

This episode was a fun, spicy, and slightly controversial one: Thai food vs. Vietnamese food. As someone who’s lived in Vietnam for years and has also spent time traveling through Thailand, I get this question all the time—which cuisine is better?

Thai food is bold, fiery, and unforgettable. Vietnamese food is fresh, light, and deeply balanced. Both have their own magic. In this episode, I break down the differences in flavor, ingredients, regional styles, and even cultural eating habits. Whether it's pho vs. pad Thai, green curry vs. bun bo Hue, or sticky rice mango vs. chè, we dive into what makes each cuisine special—and why Vietnamese food deserves more global recognition.

Join Adrie and me to find out which is better!

Key Talking Points 

• Why Vietnam is one of the best home bases for travel in Southeast Asia.
• Honest thoughts on Tan Son Nhat Airport, including how to navigate it smoothly, what to expect from immigration and check-in
• From temples to night markets to foot massages, I give you a mini-guide to getting the most out of a single day in this chilled-out northern city.
• Street food journey—highlighting spicy curries, grilled meats, and (my personal favorite) mango sticky rice.
• Thai food vs. Vietnamese food, from bold flavors and spice levels to freshness and balance.
• Muay Thai—Thailand’s national sport. Whether you're a fighter or just curious, it's a cultural experience that’ll definitely get your heart rate up.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [00:02:05] Living in Vietnam: A Travel Hub
• [00:03:10] Tan Son Nhat Airport Tips
• [00:05:50] Chiang Mai experience in one day
• [00:12:05] Thai food adventure
• [00:17:00]

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!